The Menstrual Cycle and Breastfeeding

Although every woman's body responds uniquely to the hormonal changes brought on by nursing their babies, there are certain constants that are associated with the monthly menstrual cycle and breastfeeding. Many women will experience irregular periods while nursing, while others will not menstruate at all until they stop breastfeeding their babies altogether.

As a general rule, breastfeeding causes a delay in the return of menstruation following pregnancy for most women. Also, the frequency of breastfeeding plays a large role as to how soon the menstrual cycle is regulated and once again normal. Women who nurse their babies exclusively may not have a period for as long as a year or more after their pregnancies and will soon discover that the menstrual cycle and breastfeeding seem to be directly related to one another.

Some new mothers will have their menstrual period after cutting down to nursing only two or three times per day, supplementing the other times with formula. Most women who start off formula-feeding their babies will usually begin menstruating anywhere from one to three months following delivery.

The absence of menstruation is actually considered to be a normal occurrence while breastfeeding provided the woman is doing the following:

- Breastfeeding exclusively without using formulas, cereals, or baby foods

- Nursing at least six times per day while alternating breasts

- Breastfeeding at least every four hours during the daytime hours

- Nursing at least every six hours during the nighttime hours

If you find that you aren't breastfeeding that often, or if several months have gone by and you still aren't having your usual menstrual cycle, consult with your healthcare provider for their assessment and evaluation.

The technical term for a lack of menstruation due to breastfeeding is known as lactational amenorrhea. Some women rely upon breastfeeding as a means of postponing ovulation in what's referred to as the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) for as long as six months after giving birth. It's important to remember that you should consider yourself fertile once your monthly menstrual cycle has returned. However, since this isn't necessarily true for each and every woman, especially those with irregular periods, one should always make sure to use a safe means of birth control if they aren't interested in having another baby right away.

Consult with your own family doctor or gynecologist for their recommendations as to which method is best for you. Many mothers who are breastfeeding choose to use a barrier method, such as condoms or the diaphragm, until they are no longer nursing their babies to avoid the risk of passing on any of the hormones contained in the birth control pill.

Often times, menstruation will begin again once the baby is eating solid foods, or has been weaned from the breast, or is nursing from a bottle more frequently. Once baby begins sleeping throughout the night, or at least for four to six hours at a time, this may affect the menstrual cycle when breastfeeding.

Besides nursing, a woman's menstrual cycle may even be affected by factors such as a new mother sleeping with her baby, which is never a safe practice as babies can be accidentally suffocated, or fall from a bed risking serious injury. Also, if a mother wears her baby close to her body in a sling on a frequent basis, that may even alter the hormones responsible for causing menstruation as well.

Always remember that the menstrual cycle and breastfeeding are different for every woman, and also for every pregnancy. It's also not uncommon for women to report having an entirely different experience from one pregnancy to the next. If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact your doctor and make an appointment as soon as possible. Most new mothers faithfully take their babies to receive check-ups and immunizations when necessary, but often neglect their own health during the important months following childbirth.

Tips On How To Stop Breastfeeding

Sooner or later breastfeeding must come to an end. But what if your baby simply refuses to stop breastfeeding? Many mothers face this problem but a few simple tips can help ease the pain of weaning for both mother and child.

For many mother and their children stopping breastfeeding occurs naturally. The baby starts taking an interest in the food being eaten by others around her and begins to eat solid foods for herself. As the baby eats more solids, the less she wants her mother's breastmilk. However some children simply refuse to voluntarily stop breastfeeding and many mothers can become upset, tired and at their wits-end as to how to stop breastfeeding altogether. If you're having problems stopping breastfeeding, then the following tips may be of help.

Avoid going cold turkey. This is usually very upsetting for the child, which in turn causes tantrums. Instead it is better to reduce the number of breastfeeds during the day, perhaps replacing the feed with a bottle or cup of mother's expressed milk. This gradual reduction of time spent sucking at the breast will ease the child sense of loss or discomfort, especially if bottle fed with her mother's breast milk. Eventually, breastmilk could be replaced with formula.

Many children cry when they wake up in the middle of the night. Usually it is the mother who tries to sooth the baby back to sleep. Unfortunately, this soothing process can mean breastfeeding the child. It might be better if the baby's father, or some other person, who the child feels secure with, takes care of her. Many mothers will instinctively go to their child if the child is crying, so it might also be a good idea to try to stay out of earshot. The child may take quite some time with this new regime but perseverance is the key. Eventually, when the child has been weaned off these nighttime feeds, the mother can go back to settling the back at night.

With an older child - who is able to talk and understand what is being said - you could begin by putting limits on where and when you breastfeed. Tell her, "We only breastfeed in at naptime and bedtime" or "We only breastfeed when it is dark outside".
When you are ready to stop entirely, you could simply tell her, "You are a big girl now, and big girls don't breastfeed". It is important to remember that with children of this age, the emotional stress caused by stopping breastfeeding can be great. Therefore replace the lack of breastfeeding with more cuddles; replace her emotional dependency on breastfeeding with other physical comforts.

It is also important to take care of your breasts during this time. Any distress or pain felt by the mother will be picked up by the child who will then also feel upset, thus aggravating an already delicate situation. By gradual reduction of breastfeeding you should help ease engorgement of your breasts. Your milk supply should gradually decrease. If it doesn't and your breasts feel uncomfortable, then express your breastmilk- this can be given to your baby in either bottle or cup. Cabbage leaves are known to help reduce engorgement. Crush the cabbage leaves with a rolling pin if the leaves do not accommodate to the shape of your breast. Wrap the cabbage leaves around the breast and leave on for about 20 minutes. Twice daily is enough. It is usual to use the cabbage leaf treatment two or three times or less. You can use the cabbage leaves after each feeding and leave them on until they wilt.

Breastfeeding - How To Get Started Comfortably?

Though most new mothers say that they "at least want to try" to breastfeed their new arrival, they often give up very quickly because they encounter difficulties such as blocked milk ducts, baby's fussiness, or lack of milk. Nursing baby naturally often seems to be accompanied by thoughts of failing from the start. This anticipation should not come as a surprise because most new mothers have little or no support, and often no role models to turn to if questions arise. In our modern culture, breastfeeding tends to be regarded as a challenge rather than a pleasure, especially when it comes to the question of how to get started. Many expectant mothers wonder whether there is anything that could facilitate their start and the answer is yes, of course. We have collected very useful and easy tips to help you get started.

Baby's instinct

Nature has equipped newborns with instincts which are very important for the feeding process, such as baby's sucking reflex and the so-called rooting: when the infant's cheek is touched he will automatically turn his face towards the breast in order to find the nipple. In addition, it has been found that baby can instinctively regulate the flow of the milk depending on his needs.
In essence, babies are born with the knowledge of how to feed, thus making breastfeeding a two-sided responsibility.

Beginning to Breastfeed

- The first few weeks are amongst the most stressful and wonderful weeks of being a new parent. The house will probably be full of visitors and family who cannot see enough of the new arrival. However, instead of rushing around the house to keep it tidy and to offer drinks and snacks to everyone, it is important to relax, put the feet up and feed the baby, as and when needed. It is essential to focus on the baby and thus, to take time for nursing and cuddling. Don't be shy to ask others to help in and around the house!

- A feeding session can take up to 45 minutes, so finding a comfortable spot in the house is certainly important!

- The nursing position is also important. When breastfeeding becomes more established there will be more positions to try out, such as lying in bed; however, in the beginning most new mothers prefer to sit, with a pillow to support their back, and a pillow to raise the baby to a more comfortable height or to ease the pressure on the tummy after a Caesarean.

- Before breastfeeding becomes routine it is good to have someone around all the time so that you can ask for a pillow, if needed, a drink or a snack.

- When feeding baby mothers often feel very thirsty, especially in the beginning. Thus, it is a good idea to make sure that there is always a drink by your side to replenish fluids while nursing.

- By stroking baby's cheek or chin gently he will open his mouth so move the baby closer and let him latch on. When latching on, baby's mouth will clasp around the nipple and the areola (the dark area surrounding the nipple). While feeding, baby compresses the areola in order to get the milk flowing. Sucking on just the nipple won't satisfy the baby and cause the nipple to become very sore.

- If the baby is latched on properly, breastfeeding is not painful (unless you have an infection or sore nipples). By listening to the baby's suckling carefully, you will be able to hear whether he is drinking. You should hear a strong and steady suck-swallow-breath pattern. Some women may also feel the let-down of their milk.

- If you want to unlatch the baby, break the suction by putting a finger into the corner of his mouth and gently between his gums; this should help release baby's latch.

- Experts recommend to let baby feed for as long as necessary and not to force him to stop earlier. In doing so, offering one breast to "empty" (your breast can never be truly emptied, just drained) is much better for baby than offering both breasts in turn. As the more fatty hind milk comes after the more watery fore milk, you can be sure that baby will be more satisfied. However, you can always offer the other breast as a top-up.

Breastfeeding positions

As new mothers become more confident in breastfeeding their little ones, they will also discover new feeding positions. However, in the beginning most of them start off with the cradle hold as this seems to be the natural position for both mother and baby. The baby lies on his side, facing the nipple. While mother can hold him comfortably in both her arms without loosing control over what is happening, baby feels close, protected and warm. This tummy-to-tummy position seems ideal for a more relaxing experience, especially in the beginning.

The clutch hold: This position is ideal when you had a caesarean and you don't want to put too much pressure on your abdomen. It may also facilitate breastfeeding for mothers with large breasts or if you are nursing twins. You hold your baby at your side, holding his legs under your arm. It is recommended to use a pillow to bring baby up to the level of the nipple, so holding baby should not become a strain. You support baby's head with the right hand if he is feeding from the right breast (and vice versa).

The side-lying position: This position is preferred when baby needs a feed in the middle of the night or when you are having a rest. You lie on your side with baby in front of you on his back. He may either turn his head towards the nipple or lie on his side, so tummy-to-tummy. It is important that his mouth is in line with your nipple. You may find it helpful to support your breast with your hand. Putting a pillow behind baby's back to keep him from rolling back (if he lies on his side) may also be helpful.

Problem-Free Breastfeeding - Ten Tips to Make Breastfeeding Easier and More Effective

Breast milk is nature's perfect food because it contains all the nutrients your baby needs. It also helps protect your little one against infection since it contains antibodies for the diseases which you (the mother) have already experienced. There are many studies showing that breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of stomach upsets and pneumonia during the baby's first few years.

Full-term babies are able to nurse almost immediately after birth. However, it is perfectly acceptable if you need to rest for a couple of hours after delivery. Your baby was continuously nourished while he was still attached to the placenta. Therefore, he will not be hungry right away.

Breastfeeding does not come easily to new mothers and you may sometimes require help. Here are ten (10) ideas new mothers can try to make breastfeeding problem-free.

1. Position Your Baby Correctly

The most important aspect of effective breastfeeding is the positioning of your baby. Many experts say that this is the key to almost ninety-five percent (95%) of all breastfeeding problems. According to La Leche League International (a support group for nursing mothers), incorrect positioning is particularly responsible for nipple soreness. Your baby's body should face you entirely; his head, chest and knees should rest against your front. Also, his buttocks should be in the palm of your hand and his head should rest in the bend of your elbow.

2. Make Sure Your Baby has a Proper Latch

You could end up with sore and bruised nipples if your baby has not latched on properly. Additionally, he would not be receiving enough milk. Make sure his mouth is wide open before putting him to your breast. At least one (1) inch of your areola should be in his mouth.

As long as your baby is swallowing after sucking once or twice, allow him to nurse on one breast. If he seems to be sucking continuously, it most likely means that he is not receiving enough milk due to an incorrect latch. Interrupt your baby by inserting your little or 'pinky' finger at the corner of his mouth. Another way to interrupt him is by gently pinching his nostrils together.

Using either method will make your baby open his mouth to breathe and he will disengage his suction hold. The breast can then be removed. He may cry at this point which will result in his mouth being wide open. Quickly re-insert your breast. A proper latch should be achieved this time around. If not, keep interrupting him until he gets it right.

3. Nurse from Both Breasts with Every Feeding

If your baby appears to be falling asleep or just generally losing interest after nursing from one side, burp him and switch to the other breast. At the next feeding, nurse from the breast that you finished with previously. To avoid confusion, place a mark on the side of your bra that corresponds to the breast from where you need to start nursing, such as a paper clip or safety pin.

4. Do Not Soap Your Nipples

Soaping you nipples dries them out considerably. The glands around the areolas produce a type of antiseptic oil which cleanses them effectively. There is no need for additional cleaning.

5. Allow Your Nipples to Air-Dry

Air-dry your nipples after bathing before covering them up. Do not use breast pads that retain moisture such as plastic, spandex or nylon.

6. Do Not Toughen Your Nipples

Any manipulation or rough treatment does not help. In fact, this could cause serious damage such as bleeding.

7. Use Your Own Breast Milk to Help Heal Sore Nipples

Breast milk contains lubricants and natural antibiotics, especially the milk found at the end of a feeding. When you have finished nursing your baby, squeeze a little milk from your nipple. Rub the milk around your nipple and around the part of your areola that was inside your baby's mouth.

8. Use a Nursing Bra that is the Correct Size

As a nursing mother, you should wear a nursing bra that is one (1) cup size larger than your regular bras. Make sure that the bra you choose consists of cotton and not nylon. (Remember, nylon retains moisture.) Additionally, the nursing opening should be wide enough so that the breast does not fell compressed. Trying to squeeze the breast into a small opening could lead to clogged milk ducts. This could lead to infection such as mastitis.

9. Establish a Steady Supply of Your Breast Milk

You should nurse exclusively for the first three (3) to four (4) weeks. If possible, avoid giving your baby any bottles or pacifiers during this time. This way both you and your baby will get accustomed to nursing and your milk supply will grow.

This is especially important for women who delivered via C-section. If you have delivered this way, it can be as much as four (4) days after your baby's birth before your breast milk starts flowing steadily. During this time you have no choice but to bottle feed your baby. You cannot let him starve! However, you can let him nurse for a few minutes before giving him the bottle, even if you have no milk as yet. The benefits of doing this are two fold: (a) it will help your milk production come in faster and more steadily; and (b) it will help reduce any nipple confusion that your baby may experience when he needs to make the complete switch from bottle to breast.

10. Stay Alert and Listen to Your Body

It is unnecessary for a nursing mother to experience acute breast pain while nursing. Seek help and call your doctor if your breast feels inflamed or you are experiencing flu-like symptoms such as a fever. You may have an infection.

With a little practice, breastfeeding becomes easy. Both you and your bundle of joy can engage in this age old form of bonding. Remember, though, that breastfed babies nurse more frequently since breast milk is more easily digested than formula. This is not necessarily a bad thing. It's true that you may wish for more sleep but this provides more opportunities for you to bond with your baby.

Top Eleven Breastfeeding Tips - Part One

Over 70% of American women start breastfeeding their baby in the hospital but only 16% are still nursing a year later. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breastfed for at least a year, and the World Health Organization recommends two years of nursing.

So what's the problem? Many Moms know the advantages of breastfeeding to Mom and baby, but run into challenges along the way. Here are my top tips to help you make it to that one year mark.

Your breastfeeding relationship may be so satisfying that you decide to go longer!

1) Build a support network

During your pregnancy, attend ongoing breastfeeding classes or La Leche League meetings. (Ask your Doctor or Midwife for suggestions if you aren't aware of any groups in your area, or search online.) Find women who have or are nursing their babies and talk with them. Befriend other nursing Moms.

In our society, it's rare to see women openly nursing their babies and that's one of the reasons that new Moms have challenges. Breastfeeding is an art, not a science, and it helps to have women who have "been there, done that" to support you.

Keep the phone numbers of one or two of these women, and a local LLL leader, with you when you go in to the hospital to have your baby. Not all labor and delivery nurses are knowledgeable about breastfeeding and may actually discourage you. After I had my first, one of the nurses told me not to nurse my baby for more than 5 minutes or "you'll get sore". If I had listened, there is probably no way I would have been able to bring in a milk supply adequate enough for my son's needs.

Make sure your husband understands why breastfeeding is so important to you. Studies show that the attitude of your baby's Father (as well as your own Mom) are one of the most important factors in breastfeeding success. If the going gets tough, it helps if he's on your side!

It's also a good idea to make a list of things Dad can do with baby (other than feed her) so he doesn't feel left out in her care. Examples include:

Taking baby for a walk while Mom takes a nap or bath

Massage baby

Giving baby a bath

"Slinging" (wearing baby in a soft cloth carrier) baby to sleep

Reading stories

Changing diapers and making it a special ritual with tickles, songs, etc- you can be in charge of "input", and him, "output" ;)

Dads have been bonding with their babies without feeding them since the beginning of time. He doesn't need to give baby a bottle (and possibly damage the breastfeeding relationship) to bond with her!

2) Find breastfeeding friendly health care

I cannot overemphasize this! I had to "fire" my first Pediatrician because she was so ignorant of the importance of breastfeeding. If your Pediatrician is only giving lip service to "breast is best", then he is going to recommend formula at every sign of difficulty, when formula is very rarely needed. What IS needed is accurate information and support. Ask around at an LLL meeting or breastfeeding class for recommendations.

Also- be aware that not everyone who calls themselves a breastfeeding counselor has ever actually nursed a baby. They may not even have more knowledge than a couple of hours of instruction in breastfeeding management.

Find an L.C. with the initials IBCLC after her name, or contact a La Leche League leader, who is herself a nursing Mom and is skilled in helping mothers through common breastfeeding challenges.

Developing a relationship with an LLL leader or L.C. means that you won't hesitate to call her when you, for example, need to take medication and want to know if it is compatible with breastfeeding (quick tip: the overwhelming majority of medicines are safe, and if researchers are unaware of the safety, the medicine can often be given in such a way so as to not disrupt breastfeeding needlessly).

3) Limit Artificial Nipples

Using artificial nipples (bottles of breastmilk or formula and pacifiers) reduces the time your baby spends at the breast. Time spent nursing at the breast tells your body how much milk to make, so using artificial nipples can reduce supply.

Some babies get nipple confusion, and some don't, however, studies show that using artificial nipples increases the likelihood that baby will wean before one year. So, wait until breastfeeding is well established and your supply is adequate for baby's needs before introducing artificial nipples, and even then, limit their use.

Using a supplemental bottle can be a Catch 22 because it can lessen the milk supply. Better to increase baby's nursings or time at the breast when baby is going through a growth spurt. Your body will send more milk because of the increased demand.

As a side note, the AAP recently issued a statement saying that pacifiers can reduce SIDS risk. Interestingly, breastfeeding also reduces the risk of SIDS. Perhaps further research will uncover that it is the act of sucking itself that keeps baby stimulated and breathing at night.

4) Appreciate Your Baby's Uniqueness

If you're nursing baby when she wants to and not worrying about schedules, your baby will likely be the size she is supposed to be. Don't be overly concerned if she isn't nursing the same number of times per day as your friend's baby. Babies differ in temperament. Some babies seem to want to be attached all the time.

Others get down to business and don't nurse much for comfort. Some are more dainty with their meals and like to snack, nap, snack, nap. Some babies are roly poly and huge, others, petite and perfect.

Stop worrying so much, enjoy your baby, and offer the breast frequently. Also- don't be obsessed over baby poop. Some babies just don't follow the "perfect" pooping schedule that you read about. Some have a small offering with each diaper change. Others go a few days in between, but watch out when they do go-they typically make up in quantity what they lack in frequency! If baby is gaining well and growing, she's fine.

5) Get Cozy About Nursing In Public

Unless you're going to become a hermit for a year or want to pump bottles (inconvenient and has the disadvantages mentioned above), you need to be comforftable nursing in public.

Despite the horror stories you see people commenting on in the news about Moms being asked to leave public places when nursing, it's highly unlikely to ever happen to you. I've been breastfeeding nonstop for the last 8 years in every place imaginable, and have only ever had one person say something negative. I have, however, gotten lots of positive feedback! Sometimes people will approach and admire your baby and never realize she's nursing, or if they do, express their approval or share that their own babies were breastfed.

Wear nursing shirts, buy a baby sling and practice latching baby on at home in front of a mirror.